Join the 2026 Wyoming Valley Striders Race Team

Run, Represent & Get Rewarded with the 2026 WVS Race Team

At the Wyoming Valley Striders, we believe every pace counts and every mile matters. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the 2026 WVS Race Team — a season-long opportunity to challenge yourself, represent your club and earn rewards along the way.

Whether you’re chasing a new PR, building endurance or simply showing up for the joy of race day, the Race Team is designed to bring our running community together across 12 exciting events throughout the year.

How It Works

The concept is simple: Run five races. Run eight races. Get rewarded.

Participants can choose from 12 eligible races during the 2026 season. Here’s what you can earn:

Run 5 races (including at least 2 WVS-hosted events) — Receive $50.
Run 8 races (including at least 3 WVS-hosted events) — Receive $100 plus special recognition at our End-of-Year Social.

Reimbursements will be issued after the final race in the series — the legendary Run for the Diamonds in November. To qualify, participants must complete the required number of WVS-hosted races.

Runners tackle the 2025 Harveys Lake Run, an 8.2-mile race that was revived last year and is now part of the WVS Race Team program.

The 2026 Eligible Race Lineup

From early spring through late fall, the schedule offers something for everyone — 5Ks, scenic mid-distance races and full marathons. The 2026 Race Team events include:

WVS Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run (March 22) – 4.5 miles
Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K (April 4) – 3.1 miles
5K or Scranton Half Marathon (April 11–12) – 3.1 miles (Run) | 13.1 miles (Run or Walk)
WVS Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run (April 26) – 5 miles
Harveys Lake Run (May 16) – 8.2 miles
Forty Fort Lions Old Fort 5 Mile Run (May 25) – 5 miles
Bernie’s Memorial 3-Mile Run (July 4) – 3 miles
Wyoming Valley Run (September 6) – 10 miles (Run or Walk)
Forty Fort Cemetery 5K or 10K (September 12) – 3.1 miles or 6.2 miles
Steamtown Marathon (October 11) – 26.2 miles
WVS 5K or 20K (November 8) – 3.1 miles or 12.4 miles
Run for the Diamonds (November 26) – 9 miles

At 26.2 miles, the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton is the longest race among the WVS Race Team’s eligible events.

The popular WVS Vince Wojnar Triple Crown will once again include the Winter’s End Run in March, the Cherry Blossom Run in April, and the 20K in November — a can’t-miss challenge for dedicated runners.

From 3 miles to 26.2, walkers and runners alike can find distances that match their goals.

Runners take on the Wyoming Valley Striders Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run, a signature spring race and eligible Race Team event.

What You’ll Need to Participate

To earn credit toward Race Team rewards, participants must:

Be a current WVS member in good standing.
Purchase the official WVS Race Team singlet at the discounted team price.
Wear the team singlet during each qualifying race (if singlets are delayed, any WVS-branded shirt may be worn for the first event).
Submit a race-day photo showing the singlet and bib.
Register as a Wyoming Valley Striders Race Team member when a race includes a club/team field.
Submit race documentation within seven days of each event.

Please note: No substitutions or deferrals are permitted, and all reimbursements will be processed after the final race in the series.

Kick Off at Winter’s End

The season begins with the WVS Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run on March 22 at Penn State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus — the perfect way to shake off winter miles and launch your 2026 race calendar with your fellow Striders.

Not yet a member? You can join during WVS race registrations or purchase your membership online before signing up.

The Wyoming Valley Striders Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run kicks off the Race Team season.

Ready to Race?

The 2026 WVS Race Team isn’t just about incentives — it’s about friendship, accountability and celebrating the strength of our local running community. It’s about showing up in your singlet, seeing familiar faces at the starting line and pushing each other toward new milestones all season long.

If you’re ready to commit to the miles, represent WVS across Northeast PA and earn rewards for your hard work, now’s the time to sign up.

The Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K in Shickshinny is one of 12 races in the 2026 WVS Race Team lineup.

Ready to race? Be sure to complete the Race Team sign-up form to get started. We look forward to a fantastic year of racing together. See you at Winter’s End or at the next eligible race!

To learn more about the new Wyoming Valley Striders Race Team, visit our website.

Featured image: Wyoming Valley Strider members pose before the start of the 2025 Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run in Kirby Park.

Striders Upcoming Races

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Join the Wyoming Valley Striders as they embark on their 51st year of racing events in NEPA. From scenic 5Ks and mid-distance challenges to iconic regional races, the Striders host and support events that bring runners and walkers of all levels together throughout the year. Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or simply enjoying the camaraderie of race day, there’s a place for you at the starting line.

Mar 22

Dallas

WVS Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run

@ 11:00 am

Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Dallas